Europe's top 4 has surprise guests

We are currently a third of the way through the season in Europe's four biggest leagues, and, despite not having an invite to the party, several unexpected teams have managed to gatecrash top spots in the Premier League, the Spanish 'Liga BBVA', Italy's 'Seria A' and the German 'Bundesliga'.



West Bromwich Albion. The great revelation in the Premier League, the 'Baggies' are currently in third spot, three points off second placed City and four points from United in top spot. They've made their stadium a fortress (six wins from seven home games) and Long, Odemwingie, Morrison and Lukaku have all been outstanding.



Atlético de Madrid. The club from Spain's capital city has surprised with an effective and attractive playing style. Last season Simeone warned: "Atlético could provide a challenge". With 34 points, the team is second, just one victory behind Barcelona and eight points ahead of Real Madrid. Anything's possible with Falcao in the side.



Fiorentina. The 'Viola' are second in Serie A, behind Juventus. The Italian side seems reborn with fantastic performances from Jovetic, top scorer with six goals, and Borja Valero, the team's midfield mastermind.



Eintracht Frankfurt. A team that was only promoted to the top flight recently has got into the Champions League spots, and is nipping at the heels of the almighty Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke 04. Alexander Meier is the team's star performer with nine goals.

Falcao: Happy at Athletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid striker Falcao has spoken of his desire to win titles with the club after making an impressive start to the new season.



Having already won the UEFA Super Cup this season, Falcao, 26, is aiming to win more silverware this season and insists he is happy where he is.



An impressive start by Atletico sees them sitting top of their Europa League group, and second in La Liga just three points behind leaders Barcelona and five points above fierce rivals Real Madrid.



The Colombian striker has already netted 10 league goals this season and firmly believes this could be a great season for himself and his club.



"I am very happy at Atletico Madrid," said Falcao.



"I am enjoying how it and my main objective is to continue scoring goals so that we can bring great success to the club.



"2012 is my year without a doubt and I believe I can win titles, but only with the help of my team mates at both Atletico and Colombia."

Thursday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Chelsea defender David Luiz came up against Radamel Falcao on Wednesday night - and the Brazilian wants to see the Atletico Madrid striker at Stamford Bridge.



- Roman Abramovich is ready to concede his £50million gamble on Fernando Torres has failed and step up his pursuit of Colombia sensation Radamel Falcao.



- Chelsea target Stephan Lichtsteiner is happy at Juventus and has no intention of leaving Turin in January, according to his agent.



- Luis Suarez has dismissed talk linking him with a move away from Liverpool saying he is happy with life at Anfield.



- Liverpool’s manager is rebuilding his squad and wants to raise money by selling Stewart Downing.



- Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of a contract dispute with Raheem Sterling over a new deal for the youngster.



- Liverpool and Manchester City have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi according to the club's general director, Nereo Bonato.



- Christian Atsu says he wants to reject offers from Premier League clubs in favour of staying at Porto.



- Manchester United are battling it out with Inter Milan and Juventus to land Colombia starlet Juan Fernando Quintero, according to talkSPORT.



- Everton manager David Moyes was among scouts monitoring Norway defender Vegard Forren, 24, during their 2-0 win over Hungary on Wednesday.



- The agent of Fluminense teenager Wallace claims his proposed move to Chelsea is almost done and says he will play at Stamford Bridge rather than going out on loan.



- Arsenal target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has ended speculation over his future by signing a contract extension with Montpellier.



- West Brom are leading the growing pack of clubs interested in Lokeren defender Laurens De Bock.



- Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has set his sights on German goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald.



- Swindon have signed Norwich striker Chris Martin on loan until 5 January.



- Tony Watt has committed his future to Celtic after the club confirmed he had signed a new long-term deal.



- Athletic Bilbao have stated that Fernando Llorente will not be allowed to leave the club in the winter transfer window in a bid to end speculation about his future.



- Juventus are monitoring Theo Walcott's contract negotiations closely - and the Italian champions could try to tempt the Arsenal striker to Turin next summer.



- Juventus are set to step up their interest in Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov, according to talkSPORT.



- Schalke general manager Horst Heldt says the club are working overtime to ensure Lewis Holtby and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar remain in Germany and do not move to the Premier League.



- Ajax have raised the stakes in the fight for Christian Eriksen by claiming they will sell the Liverpool and Manchester City target for 'a big bag of money'.



- Hannover forward Didier Ya Konan has fuelled transfer speculation by admitting that he hopes to turn out in the Premier League at some stage.